How to Get an E.U. Passport Through Grandparent Lineage

To obtain a passport from a member state of the European Union (EU), one must first obtain citizenship of that country. “EU” passports do not exist; rather, each individual nations in the EU offers its own passport. To gain citizenship through a grandparent, you must go through the nation of your grandparent's birth. If he was born in France, for example, you must work through the French government, etc. No basal rule exists for acquiring citizenship through a grandparent; every country has rights to its own citizenship laws. You must verify particulars with the country of which you intend citizenship.

Things You'll Need

Birth certificates

Marriage certificate

Application forms

Application fee

Not all European nations grant citizenship through grandparent lineage; before beginning this somewhat process, verify that the nation of which you seek citizenship will allow you to claim it through your grandparent.

If the country does in fact accept this type of application, make the connection. Find out all the information concerning your European grandparent and gather all documents surrounding her birth and immigration. Obtain your grandparent's birth records from the records department of the country, city and/or county of her birth if you do not already possess them. If necessary, obtain your grandparents' marriage certificate and immigration records or a copy of your European grandparent's green card or passport.

Gather documents concerning your birth, as well as the birth of your parents and their marriage certificate. Obtain proof that your parent is the child of the EU citizen.

Research the application procedure, and acquire the specific form for citizenship of the nation of your connection. Locate the embassy or consulate general website online to understand procedure and complete the application forms. Some countries, such as Ireland, allow application for citizenship completely through the mail. However, many EU countries will require an in-person interview before granting citizenship.

Send or bring your application and supplemental documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.) to the embassy or consulate general of your intended new country of citizenship that has jurisdiction over your area of residence. Do not make the appointment until you have all of the necessary forms and documents in hand.

Pay the application fee. All applications for citizenship require a processing fee; the amount varies with each country.

Apply for a passport. Once you have received citizenship of a country, you may apply for a passport following the application procedures of the country.

Tips & Warnings

Research the dual citizenship laws of the country of which you seek nationality. While the United States allows its citizens to hold a dual nationality with another country, some nations of the world do not. In Spain, for example, citizenship requires the relinquishing of all of allegiance. That is, to acquire Spanish citizenship, you must give up American citizenship.